The only river port city in South Africa, East London is set on the wide Buffalo River on the Pacific seaboard of the Eastern Cape, and is known by its residents as Buffalo City.
There is a variety of types of accommodation in East London as it is a very popular place for tourism and is very family friendly. Bed and breakfasts are in demand, and there are self-catering units available as well as backpackers' hostels.
Top Things to do and see in East London
Don't miss out on East London Lion Park, with tigers, cheetahs, crocs and giraffes as well as the King of the Jungle.
Visit the Aquarium with its large fish tank displays and its whale-watching platform to catch a glimpse of the whales as they migrate to the Arctic feeding grounds.
Take a different type of exercise and try sandboarding on the huge sand dunes at Bonza Bay.
East London Hotels
Staying in the city offers many different types of East London accommodation, with very good quality four and three star hotels, several located right on the beachfront or otherwise overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Bed and breakfast and guesthouse accommodation abound, all offering real South African hospitality that is genuine and welcoming. Facilities vary with the accommodation, with some offering dinner as well as bed and breakfast. Cheap hotels in East London and self-catering opportunities are also available.
Events
East London is the focus for the annual Discovery Surfers Challenge, which started in 1975 after some friendly rivalry between surfers and athletes that led to a race that now includes a rugged seaside course and the crossing of two rivers. The event, which happens in February, with a starting time that has to take account of the tides, is very popular and is televised as well. It has different categories for women, youngsters and non-athletes.